Recorded live at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu on January 28, 2004 and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului, Hawaii on January 30, 2004."Live In Hawaii" is a two CD set with 29 tracks as well as a bonus DVD containing 16 minutes of exclusive footage from the shows.Guest artists include Martin Denny, Henry Kopono and an introduction from legend, Don Ho. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

THE PERFECT RECIPE
Now that spring is at long last here, here's my Perfect Recipe for my weekend Bar-B-Qs,

1. Mix five full blenders of Margaritas. Put a couple of cases of beer in an ice bucket.

2. Fire up the grill with lots of meat ready to sizzle.

3. If you've got a five CD disc changer that does "random play" like mine does, get the speakers outside and put on

1. The first disc of this CD
2. The second disc of this CD
3. Jabanoski's "Key West Party CD"
4. Jabanoski's "Key West/Island Of Dreams"
5. "Key West Liz" O'Connors "Legacy of Love"

and REPEAT AS NECESSARY!

You and your friends will be in the tropics all day and night even if you are in Maryland like us or some other place where palm trees don't grow.

I've read alot of the reviews of this CD and eveyone seems to take it all so seriously. I get enough seriousness at work Monday thru Friday. What ever happened to just having FUN with great music made by great musicians?

"Hawaii" is Excellent (But "Key West" is Even Better)
I disagree with critics on this page who say this fith live album is a ripoff. Yes the song list is almost identical on each of them but the song titles are listed quite clearly on the cd and here on Amazon, so if you didn't want to hear different versions of the same songs then you shouldn't have bought the cd. As for myself, being a Parrothead is like being an alcoholic or a compulsive gambler. You can never get enough. So I enjoyed this as much as I've enjoyed the rest of the live cd packages. I actually think this is the best of them. Jimmy seems to have alot more energy on this one.
I do agree with the critics who say that "Roadkill" Bill Jabanoski's "Key West, Florida ..Island Of Dreams" is the far superior album if your only going to buy one. Although Jabanoski's style is completely different then Jimmy's, he reminds you of the more wreckless and wild Jimmy from back in the seventies and his songs are as good as anything on "A1A" or "Changes In Latitudes" and that's a major compliment coming from a phanatic Parrothead like me. My advice to anyone is to buy both.

The Best Of The Recent Live Shows - EXCELLENT!
I have all the live releases and this one is the absolute best one.
Why are so many people downing Jimmy?
at least he comes out with new material unlike a lot of "older" artists and even newer ones.
of course an artist will sing his own songs every night.
They're his songs! duh...
I don't think anyone complained when Townes Van Zandt sang the same songs every night.

thanks for lining my shelves with some awesome Jimmy Buffett shows I would never have if it weren't for a brave Jimmy willing to release them at all.

Same songs, Same JB, but great DVD . . . .
Yeah, it's just the same old Jimmy Buffett songs again here, but if you are a true JB fan, you'll love hearing this 2 CD set.However, this time, I bought the CD just for the 16 minute DVD, which was incredible.I just wish it was a little longer.The quality of the DVD is fantastic. It just doesn't get any better, unless they made it longer. Maybe some day he will put together a full DVD with all of his greatest hits.Until then, I'll keep buying his live concerts. If you like JB at all, you will love this "live" CD and special DVD too.
Aloha

MORE OLD STUFF???????????????
Dang.....I like JB ok, but how many cds is he going to put out with the same old stuff? It's like the man has a "new" cd out every week. I have his boxed set....that's enough.
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Austin City Limits tends to bring out the best in the musicians it showcases, and Richard Thompson is the sort of artist that the series reveres most. The veteran British folk-rock troubadour remains an instrumental virtuoso, a soulful singer, and a songwriter whose depth and emotional complexity rival Dylan's. This 15-song set provides neither a career-spanning retrospective nor a greatest-hits rehash, as Thompson's selection of some of his lesser-known material shows that he's incapable of writing a throwaway. The rhythm section of bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Michael Jerome gives his guitar plenty of room to maneuver on the acoustic numbers that dominate the performance before the set builds to the electrifying climax of the lacerating "She Twists the Knife Again" and the explosive "Shoot Out the Lights." On "Uninhabited Man," Thomspon combines a guitar progression that recalls the Byrds with a lyric that gives a sinister twist to the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, while the pensive, sinuous "Ghosts in the Wind" extends his exploration into the recesses of the psyche. Though Thompson's droll humor typically provides a change-of-pace respite from the dark intensity of his material, this disc edits out all the between-song patter in favor of more music. --Don McLeese

The best singer/songwriter of our time
The other day, my best friend, whose name happens to be 'Rich',
was trying to explain to me how much he liked this song, "1952 Vincent Black Lightning." I had never heard it before. Odd, considering I've been an avid Richard Thompson fan for over 30 years, since seeing Fairport during their last tour - in 1976 - before Sandy died. At any rate, Rich went on to tell me how he had found out the song was written by Richard Thompson. And he said, "Man, does that guy write everything??"

The more I thought about it, the more it occurred to me that Richard Thompson has written every song with any meaning that I've heard for at least the last 15 years. From the haunting "Just The Motion," with its rocking guitar solo and suicidal edge, to the venerable "Genesis Hall" (a song RT performed at my request twice); from the wonderfully manic
"Little Blue Number", woven with an out-of-the box krummhorn accompaniment that just isn't allowed, to the intense rocker "Living On Borrowed Time," this gifted musician is neither predictable nor limited, and he gives a hell of a performance, besides!

It really doesn't get better than this. Oh, by the way, I finally got to hear "1952 Vincent Black Lightning." Kinda like Dylan -- only better!

A lively, muscular sesson
I think nearly everyone has heard a Richard Thompson recording, seen him in concert, or both, so many folks may bypass "Live from Austin, TX," figuring why do I need this one? To do so would be a mistake, even for those with a stack of Mr. Thompson's CDs.

This performance, which was recorded live to tape for the "Austin City Limits" PBS show, features songs from throughout Mr. Thompson's long and steady career, some of which are not as well known as the tracks 1952 Vintage Black Lightning or Shoot Out the Lights. But throughout, Mr. Thompson brandishes his guitars like a weapon, ripping off searing solos or letting his fingers do the talking to convey emotional nuances. He is equally adroit on his vocals, conveying pain, adding a dash of humor, underscoring a turn of events with a bit of a sneer or a sustained note.

Every track has its merits and its own story, from the self-effacing Walking the Long Miles Home to the undeterred love-struck soul in Persuasion. Hearing Mr. Thompson take an image, such as the jackknifed truck in Easy There, Steady Now, and using that as metaphor for lost love makes one appreciate what a fine writer he is. The angst that builds through She Twists the Knife Again mercifully culminates into a fiery guitar finale, making one wonder if the strings are infused with magnesium.

Much of Mr. Thompson's work is as a solo artist, and while that work is enduring, hearing this collection performed with the excellent rhythm section of Danny Thompson on bass and Michael Jerome on drums is a revelation. This trio of veteran musicians never sounds at cross purposes but displays a subtle interplay equally effective with on the jazzy Al Bowling's in Heaven or the punchy rocker Crawl Back (Under My Stone).

The sound quality is excellent, but Mr. Thompson's typical onstage banter (if you have seen him live, you know what I mean) and enough of the applause has been snipped out---which I think improves the overall flow and energy of this lively, muscular session.

amazing live sound
dmb has done something special on their latest live release. they sound better than ever. when is aw them on sep 11 this yr, they were awesome, the best dmb concert ive seen yet, and when i heard the same songs that they played at my concert on the central park cd, i was so excited. i love the eneding of crush, which is so amazing live, with carters unbelievable drum solo. dancing nancies, which is a great old school dave tune, which has a cool intro about a bartender on cnetral park, and granny, which they played on sep 11 at my concert, and i was surprised to hear them play this, because the last time i heard them play it was on LS, which is also an amazing live album. central park gets all five stars for it incredible jamming and daves fantastic scat singing.

Best live show since Red Rocks!!!
This live album is absolutely flawless. From its great audio sound, which puts Chicago and Folsom Field to shame, to its excellent set list, this show has it all. Warren Hayes, the guitarist from Gov't Mule, appears as a guest towards the end of the show. The highlights of the show include an incredible transition between So Much To Say and Too Much (Tracks 2 and 3), Dancing Nancies followed by Warehouse (w/ Stop Time intro), Neil Young's Cortez the Killer, and the always great All Along the Watchtower. Although some may say that Watchtower is over played on live albums, Stefan Lesard's base intro of the Star Spangled Banner is incredible, which makes this version truly unique.

This CD is a must have for anyone who likes good music. There are things for the die-hard fans as well as the new comers.

Stay tuned for the release of the Gorge 6 CD set coming out in 2004. There is also supposedly a theatrical version as well, coming to a theater near you!!!!

Best Live Release
The title of my review says it all; if you don't have this album yet, you're really missing out.

Come on folks.;..
This is a great live albumn, no question...but come on folks the best live DMB is "Live at Lutheran College" with Tim Reynolds...Hands down blows every live DMB out of the water. If you're new to DMB and want their best live albumn get the LLC cd.

Absolutely marvelous !
When I got "Crash" back in 1997 I actually did not pay too much attention to it. However some months after that I was lying on the sofa and started to listen carefully to it. Then I realized that, what I was listening to was a pure gem of modern music. I love music. I think that being a Peruvian who has traveled some parts of the world being exposed to different cultures and music, has helped me to enjoy life in a better way, and I got the feeling that the DMB shares that philosophy too. Nowadays I hear to DMB almost every week. It has become part of my life. For me the DMB is the perfect blend of different music influences, excellent and touchy lyrics and a little bit of magic. I was watching the "Central Park" DVD the other day with a girl friend who actually did not know much about DMB. However when we were listening to "Crush", she felt deeply touched, enchanted. She actually let a couple of tears fall from her eyes. After a while she admited it was the first time a song left an impression like that on her, and I can understand that. For those who did not fall under the DMB spell yet, here is my suggestion: go for it, you will certainly enjoy it. And by the way, the "Central Park" concert is by far their best recorded live performance yet. Thanks to the DMB for spreading "too much" love around !
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When Sting embarked on his solo career, he didn't throw his tenure with the Police out the window; on this live double album from his Dream of the Blue Turtles tour, he reworks some odd selections from his old band's catalog in the expansive, jazz-inflected style of his new crew (which included saxophonist Branford Marsalis). These performances emphasize showmanship (solos, backup singers, and all) and they've got lots of crowd-pleasing moments, like the overwhelming swell of "I Burn for You" and a Caribbean clap-along on a medley of "One World" and "Love Is the Seventh Wave." But Sting's raw-steak voice has been affected by his band, too, and his phrasing on the quieter torch songs draws cleverly on jazz traditions.--Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Most Satisfying of Sting's post Police work
It's a big job being Gordon Sumner. I'm not sure I have the hat size for it, but coming off a meteoric rise to fame with the Police, Sting had something to prove and was determined to show he was the creative genius in that band. Outdoing Stewart Copeland's move into avant-rock and world music, Der Stingle opted for a jazz-rck approach and put together a group of young lions who wanted to free themselves from the straight jacket of Wynton Marsalis.
So, with Branford Marsalis and Kenny Kirkland holding down the band, this tour rightly became the stuff of legend. The Police in concert were amphetamine fueled thrash ska that bore precious little resemblance to the studio band. Cleansing himself, Sting got back in the groove, re-discovered what an amazing bassist he was in his own write and worked his band through an incredible set list. I dare say that after the Soul Cages or the Dreaming Sea, Sting was never quite this good. Certainly after the death of his parents, his CDs were a mish-mosh of genius, and ideas that went terribly wrong in mid-air. He had more focus earlier on. His head hadn't outgrown his eyes.
In any case, both Marsalis and the late Kirkland are so incredible throughout this disc, it almost passes for one of their own CDs with Sting as vocalist. I'd highly recommend this disc for two very sound musical reasons:
1. It's just incredibly hot and passionate musicking
2. It will p*ss off Wynton to the point where he can't see straight.

Dare say, one of rock's best live recordings ever...
No joke, I'm a huge live recording nut and I sincerely believe this may one of the 5 best live records I've everheard.It's the band, man.Sting is an incredible talent on his own, but when you assemble a band as tight as this, the results surpass even the greatness of the original material.

Most Excellent
I bought this when it originally came out back in the mid 80s... and it was on cassette... I wore it out, and since it costed so much, and I was a college student.. I didn't rebuy it...

I just recently purchased it... and this CD still has all its magic. Omar Hakim on drums Branford Marsalis on horns... it is totally a jazz rock fusion gem. There are some jazz folks out there that will totally thumb their nose at Sting, but they are snobs, and they should be ignored...

I love all the songs but my favorite is ONE WORLD/LOVE IS THE SECOND WAVE combo at the beginning of side two. This is really a treat, and it could have went on for another 10 minutes as far as I am concerned.

The songs are tight, the band is great and the music swings.There is nothing to dislike on this CD and there are no weak songs.All that in a two cd set.

If you like DREAM OF THE BLUE TURTLES and would like to know what that would have sounded like live, then get this CD. It is very impressive.

Have fun

Exceptional Collector's Item
"Bring on the Night" is an exceptional recording by an artist who was searching for new ways to expand his creative musical boundaries.Putting together this band was a gutsy move on Sting's part, especially when you consider how popular The Police were when they broke up.Sting assembled some of the best Jazz musicians to expand and focus the intensity of his sound.What he achieved here is magical.Now, we finally get to enjoy this music as it was meant to be - Live and in living color!

"Bring on the Night" captures all the elements of Sting's brilliant past and focuses them through an expanded Jazz lense that opens up the melodies to provide space for some great spontaneous interactions.This music snaps, crackles and burns.The Jazz musicians, especially Branford Marsalis & Kenny Kirkland get to stretch out and really explore the rich songsthat Sting creates.Listen to how well they lock in and groove onthe title track, and again on "One World / Love is the Seventh Wave".The beautiful and haunting "Moon Over Burbon Street" could not have been captured any better.My favorite track is "Children's Crusade" - where Branford's Sax solo just hangs in the air.This band has great chemistry & it shows in the way they interact with each other on stage.Hearing this music is a great experience but seeing it performed is what makes this an exceptional experience.There is not a weak moment captured here.

In a day and age where computer generated music is becoming the norm, it is special to witness an artist put together a classic live performance like this.Sting broke new ground with this music.It has been a joy to watch his music evolve from this recording in 1986, through today.He is a complete musician with exceptional talents.This DVD/CD captures a true master at work with some of the best talent in the business - and it smokes.I will enjoy "Bring on the Night" for many years to come - I hope you will also.Peace!!!!!
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Elvis's Renaisance
For those who were paying attention, Elvis's music in the sixties were mostly confined to soundtrack recordings which were some of the lamest to be ever issued on vinyl, which is what makes his comeback so remarkable. This was no special where Elvis is crooning Christmas carols (which is what Colonel Parker wanted in the first place). This was do or die for Elvis's future to be taken seriously as an artist. It's hard to imagine what direction Elvis would've taken had this comeback special flopped. Fortunately (for him and for fans all over the world) it didn't.

The first disc concentrates on the elaborate production numbers. Although it loses some of its luster without the visuals, there are some fine moments here; "Trouble/Guitar Man" is a terrific opening number (in my mind Elvis rocks harder here than the King Creole version), and the gospel medley, "Memories", and "If I Can Dream", to name but three songs, are as moving as anything Elvis recorded up to this point.

The second disc features the informal "ringside" concert sequence and it is as incredible and soulful as other reviewers have alluded to. The same thing can be said really about the whole package. (So is the video of this program, which I also totally recommend.)

For Elvis diehards, this is an absolutely essential 2-CD set. But even if you're not don't let this stop you from enjoying the moment when Elvis stopped singing appalling junk for equally appalling movies by laying his (artistic) life on the line and truly recapturing the "Keys to the Kingdom".

Peace.

Elvis Presley's finest hour(s)
This two-hour reissue is sort of a companion volume to MCA's September, 1998 disc "Tiger Man", which contains the complete set from the second of two concerts given by Elvis Presley on June 27, 1968.

It is pretty much just an expanded version of the original "NBC TV Special" album, featuring almost two dozen previously unreleased takes, including several alternates, which means that "Baby, What You Want Me To Do" is here in five (!) different versions. That may be a bit too much for some, but the quality of the music is high all the way through. I am particularly fond of the tunes recorded with just a small group which includes 50s band members D.J. Fontana and Scotty Moore, and it is very enjoyable to hear Elvis Presley playing and singing with such conviction...he even plays a pretty mean R&B-styled rhythm guitar!

A must-have for Elvis fanatics, casual Elvis fans should also find this 35-track double CD to their liking. Most of the best-known classics are here, including "Heartbreak Hotel", "That's All Right Mama", "Jailhouse Rock", "Trying To Get To You", "Hound Dog" and "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", as well as several slightly lesser-known (but often very fine) songs, such as "One Night", "Guitar Man" (in a medley with "Trouble"), and "When It Rains It Really Pours".

I don't own very many Elvis Presley-albums, and I'm not really that big a fan. But if you only ever get one Elvis-CD, make sure you get either this one or the original NBC Comeback Special soundtrack. This is Presley at his best.

The '68 Comeback Special
What can you say about Elvis in top form? This program contains some of his finest work. It also represents what was state of the art production and editing in 1968. I remember seeing the show when it first aired and I was blown away then. I still marvel at it.
I started working as a technician in televison the same year. It seems the video tapes for this program have survived the years better than I. The technical quality of this DVD is stunning. It floored me to see how great this program looked after thirty-six years. This set is a must for any Elvis fan.

The ultimate comeback special!
This two-disc set features two different versions of the '68 comeback special. Disc One offers the actual comeback special itself. Think of the televised special, if you've seen it, and remember how it was. This is the audio version. Disc Two is another show that was part of the special. If you've seen the "One Night With You" VHS or DVD, this is the audio version of it. Recommended if you enjoy this celebration of amilestone inElvis' career. It was called a "comeback" becuase he came back to live performances and television and trying to break away from making so many films in Hollywood. Here is the King at his prime, regaining the full attention of the world. This was only a precursor to "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite." The leather-clad King lives on!

Exemplary Elvis
This is the cd that finally made my 17 year old daughter understand why I believe Elvis is one of the purest musical talents to ever be part of this world (after hearing me play his songs her entire life). The comeback special is where Elvis got to be Elvis, not just the presentation machine for songs RCA wanted recorded. It's as if he's in your home playing his heart our to you. A great album.
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There has never been a better showcase for improvisational rock than this 1971 concert recording, and few (if any) live rock albums are in its rank. With only two studio albums (and plenty of touring) under their belt, the Georgia sextet tore into the Fillmore East with road-tested buoyancy. Titanic guitarist Duane Allman was at the peak of his powers, pushing his foil, Dickey Betts, to unsurpassed peaks. Vocalist-keyboardist Gregg Allman would have been a star in any other setting; here he's merely one more component in a brilliant ensemble. Duane Allman died shortly after At Fillmore East shipped, and the Brothers haven't scaled such heights since. But, then, neither has anyone else. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (129)

The greatest live jams ever recorded.
The Allman Brothers Band blended jazz, blues, and southern rock to create some of the finest rock ever recorded, and Live At The Filmore East is a testament of their powers.

The concert at Filmore East, NY in July '71 shows the Allmans playing tighter than any band before or since. There are three long improvisational pieces on here, all exceeding 10 minutes--You Don't Love Me, In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed, and an incredible 23-minute rendition of Whipping Post. None of them drag or feel overly long, and this is coming from a person that was raised on a steady diet of three-minute punk and radio rawk. So by that estimation, I can say that this album is VERY good. The rest of the album consists of blues jams (Statesboro Blues, Done Somebody Wrong) and blistering instrumentals (Stormy Monday, Hot 'Lanta). Duane and Dickey Betts lay down some of the best guitar performances ever, Gregg's vocals and piano work are great, and the two (!) drummers never let up for a second.

While this recording is great throughout, my favorite moment is toward the end of You Don't Love Me, where the band suddenly drops a few bars of "Joy To The World." It's another spark of brilliance in an album full of them.

Live At The Filmore East has few equals in the live album category. This one ranks up there with The Who's Live At Leeds, Jimi Hendrix's Band Of Gypsys, and The MC5's Kick Out The Jams as far as I'm concerned. If you love live classic rock, Live At The Filmore East is essential listening.

A Standard in Live Music in Rock
As cliche as the statement gets.. this album is one of the greatest live albums ever released in rock. By the time this album went gold, Duane Allman would pass away on the highway at 24. But there is no doubt, the ABB set new standards on what "live" music was about in rock.

The album begins as a showcase for Duane's slide playing, which was a new revelation in rock guitar. The rest of the band follow, laying a groove behind Gregg Allman's singing. It's amazing he had this growl as a twenty something kid, & the chemistry he had with his brother is uncanny.

The second feature on this album is the obvious interplay between all the members of the band. The interplay between Duane & Dickey Betts is well known, but the ABB were literally a "five man band". They play as tight as a fist, while never escaping from the philosophy of improvised music. It'll take a few listens to figure out who is playing what & when... but you'll realize how beautifully arranged their songs were. On one disc alone, it becomes a gumbo of rock, blues, jazz, country.... of American music in general, but with a groove. An absolute phenomenon by a bunch of twenty somethings in the American South.

It's safe to say that the majority of people never saw the original Brothers play at a show. But some of the magic is captured, right here on this compact disc.

Perfect
This is the only piece of music that I would recommend, without any qualification, to anyone and every one. I will not belabor points already made on here, but consider that the album, depending on the version, has songs as long as 12, 17, and over 30 minutes in length that you will regret coming to an end, but for the fact that the endings are so exhilarating. Duane Allman may or may not have been rock's greatest guitarist (I am inclined to think that he was), but his guitar work on "You Don't Love Me" is so sublime that it causes even a hard-over cynic to believe that there is something to words like transcendence and beauty.

This is really good....
...but you should get the new double-disc Deluxe Edition instead. Better sound, better annotation, better mixes, better everything.[In Homer's voice:] Get iiiit....!

The single best live album of all time
Two brothers, two drummers, a master bass player and some harmonica too. The kids were from Georgia and the blues ran through their blood. Duane and Dickey knew how to make their guitars sing in unison. Gregg's voice and organ playing was perfect. Everything that was ever 'right' about the ABB is captured on this release. Its all been said, but I'll say it again.....there is no better live album on the planet that this one.....its the best of the best
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The last Nirvana collection recorded before the untimely death of Kurt Cobain, Unplugged caught many by surprise with its stripped down, neo-acoustic offerings with a bridled fury. When Cobain sings, "I swear I don't have a gun, I don't have a gun" with clenched teeth (instead of an open howl) and when the haunting strains of "About a Girl"--from their earliest LP--chills even with quieted guitars, you discover a new appreciation for the nuances of one of the greatest bands of recent times. Highlights include covers of three Meat Puppets tracks (featuring special guests Curt and Kris Kirkwood of that influential "college rock" band), the weepy cello on the Vaselines' "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam," and their cover of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World." --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Reviews (320)

God, how i wish i could've been there...
This is one of the weridest albums i own, in a way. Nirvana, a band which set the whole grunge scene going, and arguably one of the best in the genre, decided to make a live unplugged show for MTV. Nirvana, you know. Fat distortions, atonal riffs, raging vocals, powerful shows. Nirvana.

That they did *THIS* good is a surprise, and should change more than one peoples' mind about the artistic merits of the band (and Kurt Cobain in particular). Forget what you thought of this Nirvana; the way they morphed their songs (and others too) into mellow accoustic tunes is remarkable, and against all odds, worked great. I mean, my dad, who can't stand 99.9% of grunge, loves this record. It's easy to listen, but not because the songs are cheezy, it's just the complete album is incredibly good.

From start to finish, it transports you first row to this (unique) performance. Like i said, the whole record is excellent, but tracks like "Plateau", "Oh me", "On a plain", "Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam", "Where did you sleep last night?", and "All apologies" are so deeply moving i prefer to listen them by myself, wearing headphones. I can only imagine, closing my eyes, what have it felt to be there.

This is hands down one of the best albums of the 90's, and easily one of the top 10 live recordings of all history. It's hard to say this things without sounding like a fanboy, but the truth is that it simply is. Whatever your musical cup-of-tea is, you deserve to give this record a listen. People argue about how much they like this album - i dare you find someone who doesn't.

Live albums don't get any better than this!
It's ironic how a band who is mainly known for rocking hard pulled something like this off- an UNPLUGGED record, to top it off, a live one at that. Kurt showcased his musical capabilities even further, and proved a versatility that changed people's perception of what Nirvana was all about. Listening to this CD or watching the accompanying TV special is most fans' most intimate encounter with the band we'll ever get. Not just the performance of the songs, but the dialogue in between the songs- Kurt may have been depressed in some aspects, but he still had a good heart, modesty, charisma, and a great sense of humour. Sadly, this was the last album recorded before his untimely death. Even people with a strict taste of music who normally wouldn't consider listening to Nirvana should be able to rethink things and make room to enjoy Nirvana Unplugged, because this is simply good music that transcends any genre. Acoustic interpretations of the following songs- a collection of Nirvana originals and covers were performed:

1. "About A Girl" From their debut record Bleach.2. "Come As You Are" From their legendary sophomore release Nevermind. This version is outstanding, I think I may like it even more than the original!3. "Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam" Nice pop-rock renendition of an old Christian folk song.4. "The Man Who Sold The World" Cover of David Bowie song.5. "Pennyroyal Tea" Taken from their final studio record "In Utero". This one sounds way less dark and not quite as extended as the studio version.6. "Dumb" The studio version from In Utero was already acoustic-sounding so there is not much of a difference here. Still sounds great the second time around.7. "Polly" My favourite Nevermind song next to "Come As You Are".8. "On A Plain" Taken from Nevermind. What I didn't like about this unplugged version was that it somewhat defeated the purpose of why I love "On A Plain" so much- it rocks! Kurt still pulled it off and it sounded almost as pleasing.9. "Something In The Way" A quiet, even darker-sounding version than the already melancholy-toned tune from Nevermind.10. "Plateau" I love to sing along to this song; it's penned by another famous Kurt- Curt Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets.11. "Oh Me" What do you know, another Meat Puppets cover! And there's more where that came from...12. My favourite track on the whole record- a cover of the Meat Puppets' already-awesome hit "Lake Of Fire", which I cannot describe other than dyn-o-MITE! Only Nirvana can make even an acoustic recording ROCK!13. "All Apologies" Performance of the In Utero hit, without a doubt the highest-rated song on this CD- it even replaced the original on the Nirvana hits compilation.14. "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" Huddie Ledbetter-penned song; if I'm not mistaken I think it's an old Kentucky folk song, an unlikely encore.

NIRVANA
If u love nirvana u should check this band out all their influences include nirvana their name is cannibal garden their site is http://www.cannibalgarden.cjb.net/ you should spread the word around about them.

Wow!!!! I wish i could of seen this in person.
Ok Hi. my name is alyssa and i love nirvana. This is my favorite cd. I love how the acustic guitar is used instead of the normal electric guitar. Kurt Cobain's vocals fall nothing short of amazing. If u do get this or u already have this, then listen to the last song, "Where Did You Sleep Last Night", Kurts voice goes from sad, dreary, weak, then all the way to screaming. I can always feel his emotions every time i hear this album. Dave Grohl.....he is awesome on this cd. The drums are phenominal.Krist bass is sooo good too.well, i hope that u will be open minded when u listen to this. It definetly gives me the chills at how u can imagine yourself sitting in the audience, being captivated by this miraculous group.

Kurt Cobain is a musical genius.
Kurt Cobain is a legend.You know why?Because his lyrics,his music,his everything.This is musical perfection.Enough said just buy it.
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Clapton caught the "unplugged" trend just at the right time, when the public was hungry to hear how well rock stars and their material can hold up when stripped of elaborate production values. Clapton himself seemed baffled by the phenomenon, especially when picking up the armload of Grammys Unplugged earned him, including Record and Song of the Year for "Tears in Heaven," the heart-rending elegy to his young son, Conor. That song and a reworked version of "Layla" got most of the attention, but the rest of the album has fine versions of acoustic blues numbers such as "Malted Milk," "Rollin' & Tumblin', and "Before You Accuse Me" that make it worth investigating further. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (100)

Acoustic Slowhand
MTV's Unplugged series started out as a curiosity to viewers who tuned in to see artists play their songs in acoustic versions. Many artists rose to the challenge of unplugging and playing their songs in the barest of forms. In alot of cases, the results were not only entertaining, but inventive and groundbreaking. Eric Clapton's Unplugged appearance falls into that category. Stripping away many songs to their core and reinterpreting old blues numbers, Mr. Clapton. The most startling song is "Layla". The original is a classic rock staple, thanks in large part to one of the most memorable guitar solos and codas in rock history. Stripped down to a shuffling blues riff, the song takes on a new meaning. The original was about unrequited love and you could feel the singers pain through the music. The new version is more of a man begging for a second chance. The big hit from the album is the haunting and beautiful elegy to his son, "Tears In Heaven". The song became a huge hit peaking at number two and went on to win Grammies for Record & Song of the Year. Other standout tracks include "Running On Faith" that has some wicked dobro playing, a Layla and blues chestnut "Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out", "Malted Milk", & "San Francisco Bay Blues". The album became his first top ten hit since 1981's Another Ticket and his first number one album since 1974's 461 Ocean Boulevard in addition to "Tears In Heaven's" Grammies, it won Album of the Year.

Unplugged above all unpluggeds
This album created a trend that wouldn't go away, at least for a couple of years. This is the finest work of Clapton, and one of the most mesmorizing performances ever. My sophmore year of high school I listened to this disc for the first time, and it still is quite captivating today.

All the tracks on here are worthy of listening to. They are wonderfully constructed pieces, and very easy to listen to. They defined what "unplugged" was supposed to be. And they made Eric Clapton thrust back into the limelight where he belonged. Among the discs best tracks are "Before You Accuse Me", the wonderful sad song about his son's death "Tears in Heaven", the slow version of "Layla" (this is the first version I actually heard so I am partial to this one instead of the version by Derek & the Dominoes), "Runnin' on Faith", and "Malted Milk". This is Eric Clapton at his best, and a great testament to a great guitar player. And it's a great introduction to blues music along with Stevie Ray Vaughan's Greatest Hits, Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland, and BB King & Eric Clapton's Riding with The King. Almost any recording by John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, or Muddy Waters as well. Pick up this disc today you will not regret it.

Unplugged [LIVE]
Unplugged [LIVE]~ Eric Clapton is a very good album. But it is not great and that has nothing to do with the music. I have always thought that Eric Clapton can sound very prententious in his choice of lyrics. Like he wants to write like Dante but then makes a poor copy of it. Beside this, it is a very good album.

Fantastic
Clapton is fantastically versatile. From the Yardbirds through Cream and The Dominos, everyone who grew up in the 60s knew Eric as the best modern guitar player ever (forget it, Jimi) but even more than that, he speaks directly to every member of his audience through his music in a riveting way.

Here, on acoustic guitar, accompanied by one of the greatest pianos you'll ever hear, Eric Clapton sings the blues. Alone onstage to the world.

I don't understand why Eric Clapton and Doc Watson have never gotten together. THAT would be something for the ages. But in the mean time, you'll have to buy separate CDs.

Fans!
Fans call this one "Bodge on the Highway" because they listen to it in teh car on the way to a Bodge concert!

A criticism that has long dogged Billy Joel's career involves his songs' direct, heart-on-the-sleeve emotional sentiments and a musical approach that often revels in pop music's past glories instead of reacting against them. Ironically, those are the very strengths of Twyla Tharp's dialog-free pop ballet based on Joel's infectious canon of music, including his recent forays into the classical realm. This live cast recording is fueled by the piano and vocals of Michael Cavanaugh, who, backed by an ensemble handpicked by the songwriter, gooses every last drop of drama from Joel's already theatrical songs with a verve worthy of the legend himself. But divorced from Tharp's always kinetic choreography, and despite angular reworkings of "We Didn't Start the Fire" and other Joel standards, it's a collection that sometimes sounds akin to Joelmania: not really Billy, but an incredible simulation. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Excellent
When I first heard of the whole concept of "Movin' Out" - a ballet using the songs of Billy Joel played and sung by someone who is not Billy Joel- I thought it was a pretty stupid idea. I thought it was a cheap way to make money off of a great songwriter, performer, and his masterpieces. However, I listened to the CD, and while it does not take the place of Billy Joel (as nothing ever could), it is excellent in its own right. The songs are all wonderful, and are performed with energy and exceptional musicianship. The songs are so loyal to Billy's own versions (he did orchestrate them) but the performers give a little bit of their own character to the music. (My only complaint is this arrangement of "We Didn't Start the Fire"). Michael Cavanaugh, the pianist/lead singer, is amazing. His voice is incredible and soulful; he puts all of his heart into the music. His pianistic skills are flawless - listen to "Prelude" and you'll know what I mean. The other musicians are fabulous as well, and were handpicked by Billy Joel himself. I saw this musical on Broadway and was very pleased. I think it's better than London's "We Will Rock You" (based on the songs of Queen)and Broadway's "Mamma Mia" (based on the songs of Abba) in that the whole cast does not sing and the arrangements are not for a stage chorus. Rather, the one guy and his piano backed up by the band is as close to Billy Joel as anyone will get.

Still rock and roll to me
Having seen the show, "Movin Out", twice last summer in Chicago I was very anxious to get my hands on this CD. I was not disappointed...well, ok..maybe a little bit. Compared to the three song promo CD I'd acquired earlier, the sound on this CD seems a little tinny...not as rich as the studio recording I already had. This CD was recorded in Chicago in August- not sure if it was done on stage or not- but it does have a live quality to it that lacks the round richness of the usual studio recording. As I was mainly interested in the show because of the drummer, Chuck Burgi, I was a bit disappointed that the drums don't sound as clear and sharp as what I had before.

That said, Michael Cavanaugh is fantastic...I wouldn't call him a Billy Joel sound alike as some reviews have...he has a younger voice, perhaps not carrying the miles of Joel, but in keeping with the themes of the dance show- youth, hope, possibilities. His piano playing is quite proficient.

The band is brilliant! Tommy Byrnes is Joel's regular lead guitarist and Burgi and Greg Smith have very impressive resumes(Rainbow,Meatloaf,Brand X,Hall & Oates,BOC, Alice Cooper). I think Smith and Byrnes sing backup. Wade Preston is on the keyboards, the arrangements for which were done by Joel's own keyboard guy, David Rosenthal. Dennis DelGaudio is the other guitarist- he's been a part of the Long Island band scene for years. These guys have been friends for a long, long time. An awesome four man horn section makes up the rest of this amazing band.

It is unfortunate that the CD was rushed through and doesn't reflect the exact lineup of the tunes in the show, the worst case being that the finale band-only number of "NY state of mind" is left off the CD entirely. When I saw the show, this number led to standing ovations both times. Leaving it off was a mistake.

Anyone who sees "Movin Out" will want this CD. Heck, I wanted it just for the Burgi drumming. But if you forgive the choppy edits and instrumental dance bits thrown in for no reason, you can enjoy [this] band. When I saw the show, the dancing was fine but it was the band that brought the audiences to their feet every night. Billy Joel could do worse than to take these guys on the road with him next time.

Better than Joel
I've never been a big Billy Joel fan, but I enjoy this CD, partly because Michael Cavanaugh's lead vocals are much better than Billy Joel's! Cavanaugh brings a fresh and much-needed energy to songs you've heard over and over again for years. The reworking of "We Didn't Start the Fire" flatters the song and bring the life of the show to the CD. A good purchase if you enjoy Billy Joel and would like to hear a new spin on the classics.

Pretty Good
I have tickets to see the show and already like Billy Joel's songs. I wanted to see if the songs would be any different from what I already knew. Pretty much this is a collection of Billy Joel songs sung by a guy with a really good voice. Unfortunately some of the songs are arranged a bit differently (i.e. "We Didn't Start The Fire"). I still rate it highly overall because they're really great songs and the singer is really good. Even though this is less of a musical than I thought...then again you might as well purchase a Billy Joel CD if you don't care about the show...

A Classic!
I saw the Broadway show, and it was fantastic! I had to buy the CD, becasue I just couldn't get the songs out of my head! This is a MUST BUY!
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"Awake, The Best of LIVE", a deluxe 19-song compilation CD spanning the entire 13-year recording history of the acclaimed rock band from York, Pennsylvania. The package also includes a DVD containing 22 music videos going back to the band's 1991 debut.

The CD compilation includes, "We Deal in Dreams," a previously-unreleased track from LIVE's 1994 Throwing Copper sessions.Also, includes a spirited cover of the Johnny Cash classic " I Walk The Line."

The lavish packaging includes a 14-panel four-color fold-out booklet of photos spanning the bands career, as well as extensive liner notes and commentary on each album by LIVE lead singer Ed Kowalczyk.

The ill will that initially greeted Rattle and Hum--the follow-up to the band's massively successful Joshua Tree album--was due in large part to the bloated and self-important feature film that accompanied it, which showed the band as being simultaneously naive and pretentious as it "discovered" America. But as the film mercifully slips from memory, the music has remained, from the furious swirl of "Desire" and a clutch of live hits to insightful musical nods to heroes such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Billie Holiday. Songs like "When Love Comes to Town," a supercharged blues duet with B.B. King, suggests the quartet knew more about America from listening to its music than Phil Joanou's unintentional mockumentary suggested. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Pride (live)- HOLY another COW!!! This is the best version ever!!! So shut up! No, you can still talk. 10/10

Angel of Harlem- 2nd single, the bomb man. Sounds like an angel. 10/10

Love Rescue Me- The Blues- I don't think so? 4/10

Whe Love Comes to Town- Whatever happened to U2 music? Who wants to hear BB King and his guitar? 3/10

Heartland- To slow, never is too good. 6/10

God Part 2- Good rock I guess. 5/10

The Star Spangled Banner- JIMMI ROCKS!!! 10/10

Bullet the Bliue Sky (live)- Best version EVER dude!!! 10/10

All I Want is You- Good for the first 3 minutes. Edge's great. 10/10

U2 + American music = Great record
U2 were completely panned by the press and some hardcore U2 fans for 'Rattle & Hum' (1988), which is purported to be U2's ill-fated egocentric exploration into American music. Leaving pretentiousness in the eyes of the beholder, a lot of people liked this record, a mix of studio songs and live tracks from 'The Joshua Tree' tour and for good reason. Here's a song-by-song:

1. "Helter Skelter" [Live]. OK, the ego does get a bit out of hand here, but this is one of the standout cover tunes.

2. "Van Diemen's Land". The Edge takes vocals on this nice ode to the working man which is abruptly cut off in mid-verse.

3. "Desire". The first single, an obvious musical tribute to blues legend Bo Diddley, continues to be one of their most popular and infectious songs.

4. "Hawkmoon 269". Although there is some lyrical help from Bob Dylan, this is one of the studio tracks that really does not work.

5. "All Along the Watchtower" [Live]. An uninspired cover which is memorable only if you saw the movie.

6. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" [Live]. With embellishments by a real gospel choir, the song is performed the way it was meant to be.

7. "Freedom for My People". This is just a snippet of a street performer.

8. "Silver and Gold" [Live]. A great live version of a non-LP track, seethingly delivered by Bono toward an apathetic American audience.

9. "Pride (in the Name of Love)" [Live]. What live record would be complete without the consumate U2 anthem.

10. "Angel of Harlem". As one of the songs recorded at the historic Sun Studios, complete with a horn section, this lyrical ode to Billie Holiday is a U2 classic.

11. "Love Rescue Me". With the accompanyment of Bob Dylan, this one never really picks up.

12. "When Love Comes to Town". Although many U2 fans did not appreciate the prominent vocals and guitar of B.B. King, the lyrics are "fantastic" (as the King puts it in the movie), and if you love the blues . . .

13. "Heartland". You can almost see the Mississippi going by on this song, a mood piece which works much better than "Love Rescue Me".

14. "God Part II". A great rocker about contradiction and a lyrical and musical prequel to U2's "reinvention" in the 1990s.

15. "Bullet the Blue Sky" [Live]. With a recorded intro of Jimi Hendrix doing "Star Spangled Banner", this is the consumate version of this song.

16. "All I Want Is You". Although it seems a bit out of place on this record, this is simply one of the best U2 ballads ever.

More Massive Than It Seems
During the "Joshua Tree Tour", director Phil Joanou captured a massive amount of footage, to be sorted and used in a documentary about U2 and this tour. To quote Edge: "No one could really remember when it went from being this small project that we all knew what it was and could deal with it, to being this big thing, but at some point that shift occured." Indeed it did, and this documentary morphed into a massive project, resulting in a movie and eventual home video, and a new album, a double album of sorts, a mix of live material from the "Joshua Tree Tour" and brand new studio material.

As far as the live stuff is concerned, U2 are a phenomenal live band, so the live stuff is great. But some of the best live performances that were in the movie were left off the album(Streets, With Or Without You, Running..., and the powerful Sunday Bloody Sunday on the night of the Enniskillen bombing, featuring his now notorius 'f**k the revolution' speech). The best thing to come out of "Rattle And Hum" is the new material. 'All I Want Is You', 'Angel Of Harlem', and 'Desire' are classics, and are part of the live set to this day. The B.B. King collaberation, 'When Love Comes To Town' is a sore spot among U2 fans...some love it, some hate it, I think it's good but not great. Lesser-known gems from this record are 'Hawkmoon 269', 'Heartland', 'Love Rescue Me', and 'God Part II', and 'Van Dieman's Land', which is one of three songs in the U2 catalog to feature The Edge on lead vocals(the previous one was on "War" and entitled 'Seconds').

U2 recieved quite a bit of backlash when "Rattle And Hum" was released, labeled as arrogant and presumtious to put themselves in the rock pantheon of the Beatles and Dylan. It was clearly misunderstood by these critics though, as Bono later explained, 'We weren't saying we were up with those guys, we made that record as fans, that's why we put in a picture of us looking at their posters'(something like that). This is a must-have for any U2 fan. This was the last U2 release of the 80s. After this was released, and U2 concluded its "Joshua Tree" and "Lovetown" tours(Lovetown was simply a renamed last two legs of the "Joshua Tree Tour" in Australia and Ireland among other places), U2 found themselves actually bored of playing the same music every night, becoming, as drummer Larry Mullen Jr. put it, "a human jukebox". The band were united in this boredom and fatigue and general disenchantment with where they could possibly be headed, and they knew that had to make big changes, because they didn't have the joy and excitement required to make great music anymore. As Edge put it, much later during the "Elevation" tour, 'When you're on tour, it has to be unpredictable. As soon as it becomes comfortable, it's time to stop. And we learned that lesson on the Lovetown tour'.

So, at one of the last shows of 1989, in Dublin, Bono made his now famous speech, saying, 'This is just the end of something for, for U2. It's no big deal, we just have to go away for a while...and dream it all up again'. What that led to is for a different review. "Rattle And Hum" is a documentary of U2 on the path that would lead to the end of an era, and it shouldn't be missed.

U2's Energy is truly felt on this album!
More often than not, you can only tell what kind of band you are listening to by seeing them in concert or by listening to a live recording. Rattle and Hum is a recording of various concerts in the same tour of U2 in the 80's just after the Joshua Tree. the energy is incredable! The first track starts out with the cheering of the croud. Then you hear Bono say "This is the song Charles Manson stole from the Beatles...we're stealing it back." And then Edge plays the opening riffs to Helter Skelter. The hole album is an experiance. If you are a new comer looking for a good taste of U2, or an old fan looking for somthing classic, but unique- this is the album you've been praying for! "F*ck the revolution!"~Bono

Mix of good and bad tunes.
I'm amazed how inconsistent this album is. Here you have one outstanding track (Heartland), some decent tracks (Angel of Harlem, Desire, All I Want Is You), a few mediocre tunes (When Love Comes To Town, Hawkmoon, God Pt. 2), and the rest is...plain crap, including poor live performances (a tuned down version of Pride, with no delay on guitar). Also why does Bono try to sound country in every song? You know what I mean, that frog in throat trick he employs. It sounds TERRIBLE. Two stars for being a double cd and ergo twice as expensive when instead it should have been separated into a live cd and a studio b-sides compilation.
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This Judas Priest release includes a DVD with the 30 minute Reunited documentary that lays the ground work for first new music from the original lineup in 15 years.From the slow crescendo of guitar and a scream at the beginning, this new outing from the reformed and re-invigorated Priest states one thing very clearly:The band is back and ready to reclaim their crown as hard rock titans.The songs, production, and performances are all on par with classics such as British Steel and Screaming For Vengeance.And the album definitely makes references Priests past, from the opening screech of "Judas Is Rising" to more direct lyrical name-checking (Painkiller in "Demonizer" and Sad Wings of Destiny in "Angel").But there is a newer experimentation - a slower, darker streak - also evident on Halfords underrated Crucible, that lets the listener know the band is not resting on its laurels.The is very evident on the 10 minute closer "Lock Ness", an epic on par with songs off Opeths masterful Deliverance.Make no mistake:The Metal Gods are definitely back. --Robert Arambel ... Read more

Reviews (163)

Good music, but the lyrics kill it
It is my belief that, during the 15 years or so since Priest went into hibernation and the underground bands (i.e. Nevermore) began gaining status, the metal community has so gotten used to intelligent songwriting and serious lyrics that anything too cornball will stick out like a sore thumb.
Listening to this after that elapsed time really wakes us up to just how bad Priest are lyrically. I even went back and listened to all their older stuff and my vision cleared: my god those are really lame lyrics! Embarrassingly bad, in fact, and I am surprised that this time around they didn't drop all the goofy "characters" and write something relevant and meaningful.
My expectations weren't ridiculously high for this outing, but I was hoping for some music along the lines of the well-crafted epics they are so clearly capable of (i.e. "The Sentinel"), but based on some of the music on offer they just slept through the songwriting process. "Deal with the Devil" has to be one of their lowest points both lyrically and musically; "Judas Rising" is a great powerful song and a perfect album opener, definitely a classic; I can appreciate what they were trying to do with "Loch Ness", which has some excellent doom-riffs straight out of Candlemass 101, and frankly it is better lyrically than most of the other pedestrian songs present, but I think Angel Witch would've probably done better with the subject matter.
Again, my expectations weren't high, but they sure slept through the creation of this album. A clear case of resting on laurels and knowing the fans will lap it up just because of what it is and not what it has.

Priest shakes off the dust.
Yah, this is good stuff. It sounds like a first album of sorts (Rocka Rolla).
Only a couple of quiggles:
Sometimes the -double bass drums- can sound like a typewriter but it doesn't bother me, it's more of a trapping of the introduction of the digital-industrial age when drums were starting to be triggered on stage and it doesn't consume the album so priest obviously knows what they're doing. They might have been eq'd slightly lower but I can adjust the eq for that. Also, the -double base drums- sound a little rusty although not without expertise as Scott Travis is a leader HERE. It's best to concentrate on driving the music or the tempo more with it (circa Painkiller) instead of just splashing it over all of the music (Hellrider), although I really like Hellrider. That's a (...) issue allot of today's musicians do to compete with each other.

Classic Metal? You bet your a**!
These guys have done an incredible job in this record! The energy is all over the place, strong songs, and Rob Halford's voice drives you nuts as always. His vocals are all over the place, even at his age, he does things that most singers in their 20's can only dream of.
The DVD is also very nice, the interviews and the concert clips are very enjoyable. They only thing I don't like is that some of the songs got cut off between the interviews.

Like good wine, it gets better with age...these guys have created a classic!

Call For The Priest!
I just saw the Priest live at the Budokan last week and they rocked!!! The band still has the magic and Rob was hitting all the high notes! My only disappointment was that they did not play anything from Defenders, not even my fav "The Sentinel". Anyways, they played half the songs from this their new cd. Some reviewers are calling AOR one of their best and some reviewers are calling it crap. I think it's the best thing they have done since DOTF so I am giving 4 stars. I don't understand the people who are complaining that JP are just rehashing the same material. If they came out with something completely different those same people would probably say that JP sold out. I do agree that Lochness is a bit silly. I wonder who said "Hey, let's write a 13 minute song about the Lochness Monster!". Also, there are not as many classic trade-off solos between KK and Tipton. But the riffs still rock! My favorites are Judas Rising (Halford howls!), Worth Fighting For (nice chugging riff after the chorus), Wheels Of Fire (cool mid tempo rocker), Angel (good ballad), and Eulogy (classic old Priest). The other half of the album is not bad. I can't say this is one of the best Priest albums ever, but it is worth getting. Check them out live if you get the chance!

Stellar Comback -- Unlike So Many Other Bands' Attempts
I felt compelled to write a review for this new Judas Priest release because I have a somewhat unbiased approach to the CD.Though I do like Judas Priest's music, I'm not one who would be identified as a fan.In much the same vein, I like metal music, but I'm more of a casual fan. So, I listened to this CD with an open mind, but with no real expectations.Having said that, I was blown away by "Angel of Retribution."I can't think of a better comeback release for a band.Many artists or groups, like my favorite--KISS, often fail to live up to the bar set by earlier releases.However, Judas Priest have returned with a stellar effort that is powerful, unique, and deserving of a place among the Priest catalogue.If you're interested in this CD, I recommend it highly, even for casual fans like me.Though there are a few (very few) weak spots (corny lyrics at times) this CD is one of the most complete and enjoyable releases to hit shelves in many years!It's great to have Judas Priest back, and it's even better to have them release a CD that will stand up against their classics!
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Think what you will of the Dave Matthews Band but they certainly know how to keep their fans satisfied. Just eight months after the release of the lavish Central Park Concert package comes another generous helping of live material, this time in a limited edition three-disc set compiled at the band's 2002 concerts at Washington State's scenic Gorge, one of its favorite venues. With more than three-hours of music and video, recorded in 5.1 audio and shot with over 20 high-definition video cameras, even fans that missed the shows will feel the mosquitoes buzzing around their ears. And it's easy to see why Seattle resident Dave Matthews and his cohorts feel at home here--the natural backdrop provides the perfect setting for their gently inspiring music. "I feel like I'm making a racket in a place that should be quiet," the frontman says at one point in the documentary, which may suggest why this is a more reverential, detail-oriented performance than its Manhattan predecessor, particularly in songs like the acoustic "Gravedigger" and the leisurely 15-minute-plus version of "Lie In Our Graves." --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Beautiful Music in a Beautiful Setting
First off, the DVD that comes with this two CD set is worth the entire price by itself. The DVD will give you live performances of Grey Street, Ants Marching (in multiple angles), Pig, Dancing Nancies, What Would You Say (in multiple angles), Loving Wings into Where Are You Going, Seek Up, Halloween, and an absolutely incredible final performance of Tripping Billies. All this also comes with several documentaries on the Gorge with interviews and feelings from the band, crew, and fans.

The CD set is not the best live release, though with DMB, not the best is still very very good. Many fan favorites on this CD (voted on by Warehouse members) highlighted by a magnificent performance of The Song That Jane Likes and an epic nineteen minute performance of Lie in Our Graves. The two discs include songs from all five of the band's studio albubs and Gravedigger from Matthews' solo album.

Overall, a great item for any huge DMB fan and a good look inside of the band for both the casual fan and the novice.

Excellent DMB Live Stuff
I've seen the band in concert many, many times and this album captures the concert feel very well. If you like this sort of thing, I'd highly reccommend also buying the Central Park concert for the flow from one piece to the next. But don't pass this set by either. Sure, the sound quality's different in this album than the other ones, but that's not a bad thing in this case. It's the end of a long tour and Dave's voice is a little different, but that just makes it sound more real. I love the parts in between songs when Dave talks to the audience. With this one, you get songs previously unreleased live, and the killer DVD is just gravy on the delicious mashed potatoes that is the 2 CDs in this set. The people that've said that the DVD's worth the entire price aren't joking. It's gorgeous. Great film quality, camera work, sound, and ideas. I love the music as well as the stuff about the venue and the band off stage. Whether you're listening to the CDs or watching the DVD, you'll be more than entertained. Buy this one, it's the best 20 bucks you'll spend on music in the past forever.

thankful investment
an extraordinarily good collection of audio/visual gems that surely delight. This is the kind of value customers deserve. Give us a great DVD and two discs of killer tunes and we won't steal - we promise. Thanks.

Question
Can anyone NOT owning an Abercrombie and Fitch clothing item explain to me why this is considered such great music? I'm sorry, I don't mean to disparage, but DMB has been putting out a lot of live albums, and they are all starting to blend together.

I like DMB, but I felt cheated a little with this album...good for the completist fan, but the casual fan will feel like this is old territory being covered...

not another live album!
my goodness.. how can anyone possibly want to hear these old school tunes time and time again? Matthews hasnt written anything good since '94. Give it up people. The nostalgia act can only go so far. Matthews has become an embarrassment. Gee, how many versions of Ants Marching do you need? And how can you possibly get off on it any longer?
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Formed in NYC in the mid-'70s by David Byrne, Chris Franz, Tina Weymouth, and ex-Modern Lover Jerry Harrison, Talking Heads soared out of their humble CBGB's beginnings to become Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and one of the most adventurous and influential bands ever. The onstage energy that propelled their rise to fame was documented in the 1982 double-LP set THE NAME OF THIS BAND IS TALKING HEADS, now available on CD for the first time. Following them through several early evolutions from '77-'81, this live gem - a 1982 Top 40 Billboard Album- is a riveting portrait of a stellar band on the rise. For its CD debut it's been expanded with over 30 minutes of rare and mostly previously unreleased bonus material. ... Read more

Over their 30 years together, Los Lobos have established themselves among the best live bands in America--which makes it all the more surprising that they've waited so long to release their first concert album (though anthologies have included live tracks). For this recording from the venerable Fillmore in San Francisco, the Los Angeles band forsakes the greatest-hits approach in favor of a set dominated by recent material interspersed with some lesser-known earlier tunes (such as "How Much Can I Do?"). Omitting perennials such as "Will the Wolf Survive?" and their hit cover of "La Bamba," the Mexican-American band treats fans to the soulful balladry of singer David Hidalgo on "Rita" and "Tears of God," the bluesier strains of Cesar Rosas on "I Walk Alone," and the saxophone of Steve Berlin and a percolating rhythm section throughout. The music extends the Los Lobos imprint from the arty atmospherics of "Kiko and the Lavender Room" to the social conscience of "The Neighborhood" and the encore of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On." Whether the material is in Spanish ("Maria Christina," "Maricela"), English (most of the rest), or bilingual (the flute-laced "Luz de Mi Vida"), the enraptured crowd requires no translation. --Don McLeeseA DVD of the concert is also available. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Band in need of a LIVE Box Set
Los Lobos rebounded from the cover band status of THE RIDE with the DVD of this concert a couple of months back. Critics wailed why they hadn't done a live CD or DVD before. Well, amen, especially if you have ever caught any of their shows. It's actually a pity that this is the only such document, because while it is certainly a great performance, it is only a taste of the magic they command. I may go to a million more concerts before I hear a band essay Neil Young's "Cowgirl in the Sand" the way these wolves knocked it out at the Philly Folk Festival while Gene Shay swallowed his tongue because the boys simply would not end the song and get off so he could prattle his stupid stories and jokes. For that alone, they became my heroes. Point is, even Young, on his very best day, never delivered that song with the incendiary fire of Los Lobos.
But I digress, and this is a worthy addition to their incredible canon. The only foul ball for me is "The Viking," but that's quibbling, because they more than make up for it with the mini CD of 3 acoustic songs, and I won't tell you what they are, but one was such a delightful surprise!
So, I'd tell you to pick this up. Hidalgo, Peres and compadres have never, or actaully ALWAYS, sound this good live. So where's the box set? This is a band you should rush to go see and if they do release a box, swamp AMAZON with orders for it. How will the Wolf survive? Well, with performances like these, should be easy.

fun stuff
As I write, the track list on Amazon seems a bit inaccurate.The record leads with Good Morning Aztlan, not The Big Ranch.This is a nice one hour performance that should satisfy most listeners.Los Lobos made an effort to include songs from every part of their long career.I think it was intended as a party record, and it will serve that purpose well with plenty of rock and blues, and lots of percussion.I think it even serves as a nice introduction to their music.There's no easy way to categorize what they do.This disk is a good way to sample them.

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE
I just picked up the new Los Lobos CD, LIVE AT THE FILLMORE. I'm not sure I'm listening to the same CD as the first two reviewers! This CD is outstanding. I'm a huge Los Lobos fan, so I may be a little biased, but I think even someone new to Los Lobos will enjoy this CD. The song selection is great, a mix of old and new material. As always, Los Lobos' playing is top notch. Although the sound quality is not outstanding, it is good. If you're a Los Lobos fan, you MUST add this to your collection. If you would like to try Los Lobos, I would recommend this as a good introduction to one of rock's best bands.

Better Late Than Never?
There are several ways to approach a live album. One is to record an entire tour, and cherry-pick the best performances and release them. Another is to record a single performance, or series of performances at a particular venue, and release it--warts and all.

Being the risk-takers they are, Los Lobos has opted for the latter (and tougher) approach. Which means 'Live At The Fillmore' is a mixed bag of sterling, and unfortunately, uninspired, Los Lobos.

Coming on the heels of the two-album renaissance of 'Good Morning Aztlan' and 'The Ride', the time certainly seemed right for a live album. But the album's two opening tracks seem tossed-off, and while instrumentally strong, a weak vocal from Cesar Rojas sabotages "Charmed". And "Rita" just sounds tired.

On the plus side, "Tears Of God" sparkles, as do "How Much Can I Do?" and "Kiko And The Lavender Moon". The remainder of the album plateaus somewhere between good and pretty good.

Granted, 'pretty good' Los Lobos is pretty damn fine, indeed. But in contrast to many of the fiery shows I (or any longtime fan) have seen, 'Live At The Fillmore' can't help but be a disappointment.

But they remain a brave band that plays what they like, not what demographics tell them they should play. It is multi-cultural soul music, and for that alone they are a band to cherish. And I don't hesitate to say I do.

very disappointing
I have loved Los Lobos from the beginning; I truly believe they are one of the great bands of all time, full of creative energy.This cd is sloppy, sounds terrible and the playing isn't very inspired.Only on "The Neighborhood" do things start to stretch out and heat up.It's a real shame. . . .
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In this 2003 performance from the Austin City Limits series (also available on DVD), New England's Susan Tedeschi demonstrates a range that extends well beyond her blues base. Following the blueprint employed by Bonnie Raitt a few decades earlier, she covers John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery" (a signature tune for Raitt), inserting a snippet from the Grateful Dead's "Sugaree." The piano balladry of her "Wrapped in the Arms of Another" could fit just fine on a Raitt album. The set also finds her sampling from the songbooks of Sly Stone ("You Can Make It If You Try"), Bob Dylan ("Don't Think Twice, It's All Right"), and Stevie Wonder ("Love's in Need of Love Today"), in addition to the more straightforward blues of Koko Taylor ("Voodoo Woman"). Though Tedeschi's stinging lead guitar provides the focus, she receives strong support from a band featuring the interplay of electric pianist Jason Crosby (who doubles on violin) and William Green on Hammond B-3 organ. Highlights include a tribute to jam-band inspiration Col. Bruce Hampton on "Hampmotized" and the simmering "Wait for Me," with its echoes of Aretha Franklin.Tedeschi has yet to show the suppleness as a vocalist to complement her guitar chops, but the musical range she displays here bodes well for her artistic development. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Rediscover the king!
Five stars because it is Elvis! I am rediscovering Elvis and enjoying the journey. I have had the greatest hits package for many years (on album first, then on cd) and felt that that was all I needed to cover Elvis in my collection. Wrong! I wanted some live Elvis and did not know where to start. I finally settled on On Stage 1970 and what a great purchase. Then, I ordered Aloha and hoped it would be as good as On Stage. It is!This is classic Elvis reaching inspirational levels with 'Something', 'You gave me a Mountain', 'My way', 'I'm so lonesome I could cry', 'Welcome to my world','An American Trilogy', and rocking heights with 'See see rider','Burning love', shorter versions of hits 'Johnny B. Goode', Blue Suede shoes', and 'Hound Dog', and 'Long tall Sally/Whole Lotta shakin goin on'. And a version of 'Steamroller Blues' by James Taylor that is wonderful. The sound on these remastered versions are very good for live material (don't get caught up in the reviewers that get picky about sound quality to the extent of if you can't hear a pin drop-then the sound is terrible).Rediscover Elvis and realize all over again why he is the King. Next stop for me is Elvis in Memphis.

The King -- live in Hawaii!
I absolutely love this album. After checking a copy of it out from the library, I went out and bought my own. Each of the songs capture the essence of the power and soul Elvis put into his music. I can't even imagine the sheer exuberance of being at one of his concerts! I only wish that I would have been living during his time to experience Elvis Presley live in concert. This CD is the next best thing.

But the tracklisting here says that there are 24 tracks, when there are really 29 and they aren't the right songs. The tracklisting for "Aloha From Hawaii - Via Satellite" [Extra Tracks] [Live] is as follows: 1) Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra 2) See See Rider 3) Burning Love 4) Something 5) You Gave Me A Mountain 6) Steamroller Blues 7) My Way 8) Love Me 9) Johnny B. Goode 10) It's Over 11) Blue Suede Shoes 12) I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry 13) I Can't Stop Loving You 14) Hound Dog 15) What Now My Love 16) Fever 17) Welcome To My World 18) Suspicious Minds 19) Introductions by Elvis 20) I'll Remember You 21) Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 22) An American Trilogy 23) A Big Hunk O' Love 24) Can't Help Falling In Love 25) Blue Hawaii 26) Ku-U-I-Po 27) No More 28) Hawaiian Wedding Song 29) Early Morning Rain

This is a must have live CD for any Elvis fan and even for the new fans, just starting a collection. Highly, highly recommended!

elvis rocks hawaii
released in 1973, as a quad album this recording isone of rock and roll's priemeire " live " recordings and seen by more people on earth than any other concert.the new cleaned up cd version is better than ever cleanerinstrumentals, and separation . elvis is in fine form.the original quadraphonic recordings will also take yr breath away !

A Concert To Be Remebered, Indeed.
CD jewelbox version. Excellent remastered sound. Several audio bonus tracks present. Cool liner notes. Eight cool pictures of The King in the booklet and one hidden behind the disc. This is my final review on music that I will write, And so I thought it was only fitting to do it on the greatest entertainer to ever walk the face of the Earth, Elvis Presley. He will probably be remembered most, By some, For his first big hit, "Heartbreak Hotel", Which charted at #1 for eight consecutive weeks on our pop charts, And at #1 for seventeen consecutive weeks on our country charts, But a legend is not born with one good song, A king is not crowned with one good album... The rest is history. I don't believe this concert was his best show but you be the judge on that. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion whether it be right or wrong. Farewell.

The fire burns brightest before it goes out
Someone once said that the "fire always burns brighter, before it goes out." and regarding Elvis's career, and the "Aloha From Hawaii" concert, that certainly seems true.

This concert was recorded in January of 1973, and is historic because it was the first live event to be broadcast live via satellite to such a large number of people. The number is legendary, approximately 1.5 billion people viewed this concert, and those that watched the concert will remember how good Elvis looked and sounded.

Elvis dieted hard for this telecast, dropping approximately 15 lbs. he was also deeply tanned by the Hawaiian sun, like a championship fighter getting ready for his last title defense, Elvis (knowing how historic this event was) "trained" hard for the event and it showed.

His voice was simply awesome that evening...what he may have lost in energy and vitality was easily compensated for, by raw power and sheer presence. Highlights of that show were "Steamroller Blues" "I'll Remember You", and a version of "An American Trilogy" which will literally cause goosebumps.

This concert is also historic, because it chronicles entertainment's biggest star, on the eve of the twilight of his career. Although other great moments would be added to this storied career for the next 4 1/2 years, they would become less, and less as the years passed on. This concert was able to cement the foundation for a musical legacy that will never be matched.

For a band with such an overarching legacy, the official record of Led Zeppelin's legendary--and unpredictable--live act has heretofore been poorly represented by the disappointing, scattershot soundtrack to The Song Remains the Same. But this triple-disc live set (culled from 1972 Long Beach/LA shows in advance of Houses of the Holy) addresses history with a vengeance, if a few decades late. These shows have rightfully assumed cult status in the bootleg market, showcasing a band at the peak of its creative and performing powers. Zep faithful will welcome the belated release as evidence for enduring loyalty, but younger fans may find its diversity and dynamics even more enlightening--indeed, whole careers have since been built on the musical ideas Jimmy Page and company toss off here as decorative filler. Crucially rooted in the amped-and-hammered American blues of the guitarist's former band, the Yardbirds, the marathon workouts of"Dazed and Confused" and "Whole Lotta Love" (which consume nearly an hour all by themselves) somehow encompass Ricky Nelson, Morocco, James Brown, Holst,Elvis Presley, and Muddy Waters amidst their trademark sturm und drang, while the acoustic set that closes out disc one showcases the band's--and particularly Robert Plant's--good-natured, crypto-Celtic folk appeal with energetic aplomb. Bigger and brasher than just about any rock act that followed in its historic wake, yet ever fan-loyal to its myriad influences, Led Zeppelin's live juggernaut finally gets the monument it deserves. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (322)

A LIVE CLASSIC
The Who had LIVE AT LEEDS and The Stones had GET YER YA YA'S OUT. LED ZEPPELIN has released the ultimate live recording, HOW THE WEST WAS WON. The three disc set starts with LA DRONE and 14 seconds later IMMIGRANT SONG blasts from the speakers followed immediately by HEARTBREAKER and BLACK DOG. ROBERT PLANT introduces OVER THE HILL AND FAR AWAY and PAGE begins to play the delicate beginnings of the song. JOHN BONHAM'S drums have never sounded more powerful and lift each song to another level. SINCE I'VE BEEN LOVING sounds strong but the real highlights on disc one(in my opinion)are STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN and GOING TO CALIFORNIA. Disc one closes with THAT'S THE WAY and BROY-YR-AUR STOMP. Disc two starts with A 25 minute version of DAZED AND CONFUSED and then into excellent versions of WHAT IS AND WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE and DANCING DAYS. Disc 2 closes with a 19 minute version of MOBY DICK with JOHN BONHAM in top form. JOHN BONHAM'S drum sound like thunder throughout the three disc set. Disc 3 begins with WHOLE LOTTA LOVE and then into ROCK AND ROLL and THE OCEAM. BRING IT ON HOME closes disc 3. The music sounds great, the musicianship is top notch with PLANT and PAGE in great form. JOHN PAUL JONES is an excellent musician as well and adds mandolin, keyboards and bass to the mix. I heard JIMMY PAGE live in 1977 with LED ZEPPELIN and again in 1986 with THE FIRM. Hearing his guitar on the three disc set brought back memories of those concerts I saw in Oklahoma City. My only complaint is the packaging. There is no booklet and no photos, just a brief statement from JIMMY PAGE about HOW THE WEST WAS WON. I highly recommend thisthree CD set. I will be purchasing the DVD in the very near future.

Bootlegs aside - this is Led Zeppelin's best live recording
No comparison. "How The West Was Won" released by Atlantic in 2002 puts "The Song Remains The Same" (1976) to shame. Page, Plant, Jones & Bonham are all in top form.

WHAT YOU GET: 17 songs on 3 discs - that probably could have fit on 2 discs - recorded in 1972 from shows at California's LA Forum and Long Beach Arena. OK - there are really 18 tracks listed, but I'm not including the 14 second waste of an opening track "LA Drone". 17 songs compared to "Ths Song Remains The Same" and it's 9 tracks. Better, tho not superior sound quality (remember this is 1972). Great song selection tho I must say that only one song ("Dazed & Confused") is featured from Led Zep's brilliant 1st album; 5 songs from Led Zep II; 4 songs from Led Zep III; 4 songs from Led Zep IV; and tho not released yet, 3 songs ("The Ocean", "Over The Hills & Far Away" and "Dancing Days") are featured from their soon to be released "Houses Of The Holy". Anyone else notice how quiet the audience was after these songs ended? You get 4 marathon songs with "Moby Dick", "Whole Lotta Love", "Bring It On Home" and "Dazed & Confused"... each containing some medleys within (assorted early rock covers, blues, and a small taste of "The Crunge").

WHAT YOU DON'T GET: No expansive liner notes (what they give you is the bare minimum here), no history or roots of the band, no booklet with cool pictures. The song selection is top notch, but for me personally I miss some of the stuff from Zep's debut (even the really short songs like "Good Times Bad Times", or "Communication Breakdown" would have been cool), as well as from Zep's second "Ramble On" or "Thank you". The ONLY song I miss from "The Song Remains The Same" is "Celebration Day" - this was probably my favorite song from this one.

Overall a great recording and a definite must-buy for even the slightest of Led Zeppelin fans and any rock & roll fan who grew up in the 1970's. Essential? Hell yes.

"The Best Live Recording"
This is Led Zeppelin's Long Beach/LA performences at describes Jimmy Page their peek of their career doing their best. You hear a variety of songs that everyone just loves. I like hearing Dancing Days, and The Ocean live as well as the twenty minute Dazed And Confused. This is the best live recording out their. This has been bootlegged for so many years being a crappy recording until this three disc set came out this crappy recording turned out to be a masterpiece. This is the best live recording Led Zeppelin had...... worth 100 stars.

You Can't Get Any Better Than This
First off, I have no beef with The Song Remains The Same, so don't throw your copy of it away (contrary to what one reviewer said). But the title of my review basically says it, this 3-disc set and the 2 DVD set are the greatest Led Zeppelin releases ever, outside of the albums of course. Both HTWWW and the DVD set capture Led Zeppelin at their finest. Any Zep fan would love this collection beacuse you've got all of the classics (before 1973) here, and you get to hear versions of songs from their fifth straight great album (Houses of the Holy) before they were put on tape. Now I think I need to address a few issues that other reviewers have brought up. First of all, "Dazed and Confused" is NOT too long, the problem is that you all who say that have been raised in a world of 3 to 5 minute songs that are so full of hooks that there's no real music. As a result, your attention spans aren't long enough to tolerate improvisation. Same with "Moby Dick", you all just can't handle a song more than 5 minutes long. Also, I see many comments that Jimmy Page's guitar playing was really sloppy. Being a guitar player, I'd have to disagree. It takes a lot of technical ability to play the guitar parts to Zeppelin songs (try looking at the tabs). The audio quality is also pretty good considering its over 30 years old and the mixing is pretty good, there's nobody that's invisible in the mix. As for my favorites, probably "Heartbreaker", "Black Dog", "Over The Hills...", "Since I've Been Loving You", "Stairway To Heaven", "That's The Way", "Dazed and Confused", "Moby Dick", "Whole Lotta Love" (gotta love the good old rock standards), and "Bring It On Home." I'm also happy to see that they've credited Willie Dixon on "Whole Lotta Love" and "Bring It On Home" (although I wasn't too upset that they didn't on the original album). The great thing about this album is that it captures the sheer power of Zeppelin on stage. If you haven't already...BUY THIS! And while we're at it...BUY THE DVD!!

On a side note, someone said that Zeppelin made "arena rock" famous. The problem is, Zeppelin wasn't arena rock. Sure they played in big arenas, but arena rock was made by the likes of Genesis, Journey, Peter Frampton, all those people, whose music and lyrics were incredibly generic and had no real depth to them. Can't say that about LZ, can you?

Can't go wrong with live LZ
This is what a live abum should be. The playing is excellent and most of the songs are performed at least a little bit different from the studio versions. Who wants the same thing you can get from a studio album when a studio album desn't have the applause, and doesn't suffer from the lesser sonic quality inherent in a live set? Actually the remastering is excellent. Jimmy Page pumped up the bass here like he did on Coda so you can better hear the drummer John Bonham, here in his prime. Several of the songs are here extended into fuller forms. Dazed and Confused, Moby Dick, and Whole Lotta Love all are about 20 minutes. The guitar solo in Heartbreaker is drawn out to the point of improvisation and the performace of Stairway to Heaven is truly breathtaking (though I prefer the version included on the self titled DVD). First timers to live Led Zeppelin will be a little put-off by the tone the 12 string electric guitar gives to the beginning of Stairway to Heaven, though (changing from an acoustic 12 string to an electric 6 string apparently took too much time for it to be feasable on stage in the middle of a song, dang). This is actually a compilation of the best from two separate concerts. Discs 1 and 2 are filled about to the 70 minute mark, while disc 3 is filled to the 50 minute mark to avoid repeating songs from the other show is my guess. My only complaint is the track arrangement. Discs 2 and 3 both have 4 tracks but if you want to skip either of the 20 minute Dazed and Cofused, Moby Dick or Whole Lotta Love, you only have a few minutes left of shorter songs. I would have preferred an arrangement of the 3 longer tracks on disc 2 and the 5 shorter tracks on disc 3. It would have a better playability.
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At a point in their career when most bands would rest their laurels upon a greatest-hits package or live album, Metallica has done both, but with a decidedly loopy twist. They've recorded a double-live greatest-hits package with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra "sitting in." Rock history and cutout bins are littered with previous attempts at a rock-symphonic fusion, from Emerson, Lake & Palmer to Deep Purple to the Moody Blues and the Siegel-Schwall Blues Band. But while previous efforts at mixing the low-brow with the high-brow have mostly ended up browbeating the intended audience, S&M plays like a precarious joy ride. Set against the shrewd efforts of a team of orchestrators and arrangers (who employ enough taste to keep proceedings from sounding like one long "Live and Let Die" outtake), Metallica plays for their lives, undercutting their general somber tone by ratcheting up their musicianship several notches. The most underrated player here is SFO guest conductor and soundtrack vet Michael Kamen, whose attention to detail and nuance--and intuitive grasp of the Metallica canon--keeps this unlikely meeting of the minds focused and on track. -Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (777)

So many brainwashed
Its funny how alot of people think this is so amazing. I mean, they basically just did a show with a symphony playing with them. Metal and classical music combined, very nice. But many bands can have this same exact sound with just keyboards. There are of course loads of flaws on this cd. First off, metallica shouldnt even have a crowd out there, it ruins this beautiful concept. I think if they wanted to make it a live show too then sure, that would be cool, but first off they needed to just make this a live studio album, because it would sound better, when the songs close you dont have to hear the crowd the entire time screaming during the end of each song.

They add two new tracks which one I like. No leaf clover is a cool song. Good melody, an ok solo, excellent drumming, vocals are nice too, bass is missing again as usual, but we get used to that, and it isnt jason's fault because the bass is missing. Its hetfield's and lars who call all the shots, that is yet another reason why he left the band.

Lets face it though, metallica pretty much have ran out of ideas, I mean they havent even made a studio album in almost five years, instead they make the garage inc. album, covering old covers, and now we have this right after. OK, it has talent required yes, but come on, metallica knew that after re-load, anything new and inventive, people would dislike even more, oh but James and Lars, you gotta keep making more and more money then you even need, so you have to remain sell outs, and cant just go back to the real metal style you once had 11 years ago. I once respected metallica when they played better music. Metallica still is metal even though they betrayed the metal scene supporting all these poser nu metal bands, still some bands can mature, these guys failed miserably. I mean what is up with this new vocal style hetfield's got going on, all trying to sound demonic, wake up!!! And Hammet doesnt play really good solos, its just too simple the way his style is, he stole Mustaine's style in the 80's, then found his own on load, not that great.

Ok, I know this review will be hated because im saying metallica is thru, I admit metallica still have talent, but its a waste, time to retire boys, and go on with your lives, maybe do some solo stuff, hell maybe kirk could be Limp Bizkit's new guitarist, and hetfield could play guitar and sing with method man. WHo knows, this album has a beautiful concept, but a tragic waste, it doesnt fit. Your thru guys, its over. Damn traitors of metal!!

Another great CD by a great band.
With the possible exception of Ride The Lightning (which I personally just didn't enjoy as much as other Metallica albums), Metallica's first four albums were basically metal masterpieces. Kill'em All was a wonderful first album, even if a bit on the immature side. Master of Puppets was the album where the band really took off, seemlessly blending thoughtful melodies with the speed and aggression that made Metallica famous, producing one fantastic thrash album. While And Justice For All only improved on Puppetz, using mature themes and amazing solos while pioneering the more "riff driven" style of music prominant in Metallica's later albums (listen to Blackened and you'll see what I mean). Then came the Black album, which unfortunately, did not live up to the standards set by the band's previous two albums. It wasn't so much the change in style as it was just the fact that the music didn't really seem as exciting or interesting. Then came Load, where I feel Metallica bounced back and gave me something that ranks next to MOP and Justice as their three best albums ever. I just couldn't force myself to dislike that album the way I feel at least 60% of these so called "Former Fans" do to prove how cool they think they are for listening only to speed/thrash metal. It's a good album to listen to when the sky is blue, there are almost no clouds in the sky, the sun's shining, and you're hanging out at the beach or anywhere in the outdoors. It certainly isn't James Hetfield's favorite Metallica album for nothing, you know. Then came ReLoad which, while good, just didn't have the excitement nor emotion of MOP, Justice, and Load. It was still a great album nonetheless, though. And with all these great albums Metallica released, a greatest hits collection was just what they needed. They "sort of" delivered with S&M, playing some of their best known songs with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra in the background.

Of course, this album still had its critics who even criticized their covers of "older material" but I have one question in response to that: Did Load's shift from E minor to E Flat Minor have something to do with your problems with new Metallica? I'm amazed nobody else seems to have complained about nor complemented this, especially since it was one of the first things I noticed when listening to Load and is prominant in the band's covers of both their older and newer songs on this CD, giving the older songs in particullar a more "bluesy" sound to them (Which I like). Otherwise, Metallica's covers of their preLoad music still have the raw power and aggression of their originals, while the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra only improves upon them by delivering a whole new sound these songs that is bound to make them sound fresh regardless of the fact that they're really nothing new. The best song cover (both 80's and 90's) IMO is Battery (I guess Metallica wanted to save the best for last on this CD). The amazing aggression and guitar work of one of my all time favorite Metallica songs is in full force here. While the San Francisco Symphony helps to breath new life into an already great song with its own version of the original's tear shedding accoustic intro and its amazing background music. Other excellent covers include Fuel, Nothing Else Matters, Call of Ktulu (which succeeded in turning what I thought was originally a mediocre instrumental into something truely great), and The Thing That Should Not Be.

Unfortunately, two songs (Until It Sleeps and Devil's Dance) somehow just didn't sound right with the symphony orchestra IMO (They just aren't those types of songs that fit such a thing). I think they really should have left those songs off the setlist and played something like Orion, To Live is To Die, Sanitarium, or The God That Failed instead (which I feel would have made great symphonic orchestrations).

The two new songs, Minus Human and No Leaf Clover, are unique in the sense that even without the symphony orchestra they (especially Clover) manage to mix the amazing guitar work of Puppets and Justice with the mood of Load creating two fantastic songs that are sure to have your head banging and hair standing in no time. The Solo in Clover is especially great, somehow sounding very similar to some of the solos in Metallica's preLoad albums.

So overall, I recommend this album to fans of both eighties and nineties Metallica. Most of the song choices are excellent. While the symphony orchestra once again helps to breath new life into what are already great songs.

P.S. Sorry for the rather long review.

Metallica's hits live with a Symphony
Metallica's S&M is a live concert with an orchestra. While the idea may scare fans off, the orchestra accompanying Metallica's songs is quite good. The playing from both groups is good, and what makes it even better is that being a live album, it removes the filler that often makes their albums dull and boring.

Live with no meaning
I really do like Metallica , also I like live albums and greatest hits albums. But ever since Metallica caused such a stir in the music Industry they have not been putting out very good music . So I guess it is there cheap way to try to make a comeback . I have all of there C-D's so I am not or was not downloading any of they're stuff nor would I old stuff is the thing I think should be alloud. But Metallica is a great band but S&M sounds like a cheap try for a comeback to greatness that they once had.

An interpretation of Metallica
No, I don't know much about heavy metal, or any genre for that matter. I know only what I hear on the radio, which these days is pretty pathetic. But I had to buy this album when I heard "No Leaf Clover" on the radio and I've become addicted. I will agree with some of the criticisms of this album, but I have to disagree with those that think this is a distaster, far from it. Metallica and Michael Kamen create a fabulous work, from the reimagining of "Call of Ktulu" (the orchestra turns up the volume on the guitar part that fades in and out of this song), to SFSO horns harmonizing with Metallica's guitars in "The Master of Puppets", to the full accompaniment of the SFSO over the guitar melody in "One". There may be some truth to the idea that Metallica sold out with this album. Since I've heard this album, I've bought "Ride the Lightning" and "Master of Puppets", and I listen to them on a regular basis. This album does have its flaws, but they are few. The only complaint I have about it is that I didn't go to see the concert.